I think I might be depressed

[incognito1991]

my DD is two, when she was born I remember I was a little depressed but more on the anxious side, worrying about her health etc. She was a difficult newborn, had allergies and very unsettled day and night, I struggled for a while but nothing extreme. Last year I had a stillborn, as you can expect it was a hard time but again, nothing unmanageable that I needed to seek help for. I’m currently 13 weeks pregnant and for the past two weeks I have been feeling very down, unhappy, low energy, like everything is just too much at the minute, I take my DD out to soft play, groups etc but if we’re home I can’t bare it, I sit and play with her but feel very disengaged, nothing at all to do with her she’s so lovely and I love her so much I just think I might be depressed. Is this just a phase or should I speak to my midwife, will it get worse?

Sorry @incognito1991 that sounds really tough, I’m sorry you’re not enjoying your pregnancy as much as you could. It sounds very normal but no reason not to ask your midwife about it as she may be able to help you make sense of it better. Having a stillborn must have been unimaginably tough though so do be kind to yourself- are you really that far moved past it mentally? Xx

That sounds very hard, but it sounds like you're doing a great job with your little girl. I would definitely speak to your midwife or doctor soon. I remember telling mine that I was worried I'd get depressed when I was pregnant because I had been before and she said in her experience it can go either way and pregnancy can make depression a lot better or a lot worse. I hope they're helpful for you.

You've been through so much, and opening your heart to having children can bring with it so much heartbreak, anxiety and strain along with the joy.

Definitely speak to your midwife and take any therapy that is offered, a friend of mine took some before the arrival of her 2nd baby and she found it so helpful after drowning in sadness after her first.